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Home › Articles › Pets › Pets and Preschoolers

Pets and Preschoolers

Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family

By Felicia Hodges

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Deborah Meyer says that after a lot of convincing and no less than three trips back to the pet store, she and Timmy finally settled on two fancy goldfish and a 2-gallon tank that fit easily on Timmy's dresser in his room. She showed him how to feed the fish and decided that he could only feed them before he left for school in the morning while Mom was around.

"That way he really knew they were his to care for," she says. "Of course, I have to change the water once a week, but he helps me scoop them out [of the tank] and watches as I clean the bowl."

New Pet Primer

If you are thinking about getting a pet for your child, here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Be realistic. Try and encourage your child to choose a pet that fits his or her lifestyle. For example, if your child spends every other weekend with another parent, or if you travel a lot, a pet that requires a lot of attention may not be the best choice.
  • Remember that pets die. Most domesticated animals have life spans much shorter than ours. Be prepared for questions about what happened to the pet from your youngster.
  • Hidden costs. The cost of the cuddly little critter in the pet store window isn't only reflected in the sticker price on the outside of the cage. Remember to also factor in the cost of food, litter, toys and trips to the vet.
  • Not for the squeamish. Before you decide on a pet that only eats live food (like larger snakes) or one that reminds you of the movie Ben, ask yourself a few questions like: Can you handle tossing live crickets into the tank? Could you pick up the hamster and return it to its Habitrail? You might have to if your little one loses interest or if your furry friend gets out of his cage.

     

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